Chico >> Rain or shine, runners and walkers will set off through Bidwell Park on March 10 for the fourth annual Heart & Sole: Run for Wellness fundraiser.

Hosted by Enloe Medical Center, proceeds from the event will go toward building a new Cardiovascular Care Center. Construction of the $17 million facility is slated to start later this year.

“Over the course of the last three years we’ve raised just shy of $37,000 through the Heart & Sole run,” said Deanna Squires, community outreach coordinator.

The event is from 7 a.m. to noon at Bidwell Park’s One-Mile Recreation Area. The run starts at 8:30 a.m.

Just before the run begins, Enloe’s flight care helicopter will land in Sycamore Field so participants will have the opportunity to “check it out,” said Squires.

The first registration deadline for the run is Feb. 18. Registration fees are $30 for general entry with a T-shirt, or $20 without. For participants 65 and older, and children ages 7 to 12, the cost is $20 with a T-shirt or $10 without. For ages 6 and under, registration is free, and T-shirts are not available.

After Feb. 18, the T-shirts will not be available and registration fees will increase through March 10, to $30 for general entry, $20 for seniors 65 and older and children 7 to 12 years old.

Registration can be done at www.enloe.org/enloerun, or by texting “Enloerun” to 71777 from a mobile device. Registrants can sign up individually or as a team.

“We started this run because we wanted to create a fun way for all ages to participate in a physical activity together and raise awareness about good heart health,” said Squires.

Last year 500 people, including toddlers, people in their 80s and every age in between participated in the Heart & Sole run.

“Our largest team last year was from our cardiac rehab program. A couple of them had undergone heart procedures just weeks before and were out there getting active again. It’s so inspiring to see the diversity of people rising up and doing something good for bodies in a fun and inspiring way,” said Squires.

All participants will receive a finisher’s medal when they cross the finish line.

Following the run participants may participate in a “mini health expo,” which will include educational materials and activities for heart wellness, as well as face painting, massage and blood pressure screening. There will also be music and healthy snacks.

“Chronic morbidity and high mortality rates are associated with these diseases. In fact, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and the second leading cause of death in Butte County. Lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease including heart failure. In Butte County, approximately 7 percent of the total population is living with heart disease, which is higher than both California overall and the nation,” said Squires.

According to the Butte County Community Health Assessment Report, 4.4 percent of people in the nation have heart disease. In California the percentage of people with heart disease is 3.5 percent, lower than the national average but in Butte County 6.8 percent of the population suffers from some type of cardiovascular disease.

The new center will include three additional procedure rooms, two of which will have state of the art imaging equipment and technologies. A third procedure room will be available to meet future demand. Also included is a 10-patient, pre-procedure/post-procedure area allowing outpatients and their families to remain in a single location for the duration of their visit. The space will include a new diagnostic treatment area and a family lounge with a private physician and family meeting room.

“What the center means for the community is the availability of advanced cardiovascular treatment options. It will allow us to accommodate the growing needs for heart care in the community for generations to come,” said Squires.